Air Force officials notified congressional leaders that Maguire-Dix-Lakehurst was their top choice for the second active duty wing of the new tankers, with 24 of the new refueling jets. Travis Air Force in California will also get 24 KC-46As.

A final decision will come later this year.

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., who pushed for Fairchild to receive the new plane, says she is outraged by the decision.